Port Anniversary

Hafengeburtstag Hamburg, the world's largest port festival

Every year in May, more than one million people 'set sail' to the shores of the Elbe to celebrate the anniversary of Hamburg's port. Legend has it that Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa granted the city a tax exemption on May 7th 1189: a decision that helped Hamburg grow in prosperity ─ and the port to become the third largest in Europe.

Highlights of the previous Port Anniversary (May 4th to May 7th 2017) included the arrival of 300 vessels including tall ships, traditional sailing yachts and the impressive cruise ship AIDAprima; the yearly Tugboat Ballet and a spectacular firework show. Along the harbour front, visitors could enjoy culinary delights and live music performances on numerous stages.

Port Anniversary 2018

The 829th Port Anniversary will be celebrated from Thursday May 10th to Sunday May 13th 2018.